austraLasia #2082

GC26 formally opened

ROME: 3rd March 2008 -- The Retreat preacher or the cartoonist or both were prophetic it seems! In his report on the state of the Congregation, the Rector Major too made reference to 'an explosion', this time of holiness, noting that in the six year period the Church has recognised the greatest number of Saints and Blesseds in the history of the Salesian Family.  The report was the almost final event of a full day, somewhat heavy in input and rather purple in colour (purple and red!).
    The many addresses and messages are available already on the GC26 website, so feel free to download them from there - go to the already existing link to GC26 Opening, 3rd March and each of the items is linked to its own file.  The RM's report, which is stripped down version of the full, printed booklet accompanied by a larger book of statistics, is not likely to be available this way.  In due course it will find its way into communities.  But the opening address of the Rector Major is available and makes interesting, salutary reading with many redolent phrases...'not a congress but a time of discernment'...'the solution is not in forms of restoration....what is at stake during the next six years is not the survival but the prophetic witness of our Congregation'....'identification with contemporary society, without a profound identification with Jesus Christ loses its symbolic capacity and its inspirational force'.  But you can read all of this for yourself.
    Incidentally, Vatican Radio is broadcasting an interview with yours truly this evening and again tomorrow, but you can listen to it by going to sdl.sdb.org English collection. Select 'browse format' and pick the mp3 list.  You are looking for 'Salesians and GC26'. Enjoy!
    In the evening, Chapter members listened to a superb concert presented by the Rome Intervarsity Choir conducted by Salesian Fr Palombello.  The choir is famous in the city for its liturgical music, often at the Vatican. They presented a full 'liturgical year' of selections by great masters like Bach, Palestrina.
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Title: australasia 2082
Subject and key words: SDB General GC26 Opening of Chapter
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2082